Building or upgrading your outdoor decking is always an exciting project! However, when buying timber supplies, timing is essential to ensure the best deals and the highest quality wood for your deck.
This article discusses the different seasons and how they impact the timber-buying experience. Use this article to help determine the best time to purchase outdoor timber decking materials.
Save more money during winter or fall
If you want to save money when building the best deck for your family and friends, buy your timber supplies during fall or winter. This period is off-season for building and construction, making it an ideal time to purchase. Prices may be more reasonable this time of the year as the demand for lumber-based goods is lower.
Lumber yards and home improvement stores may offer discounts, promotions, and other pre-season incentives to encourage customers to buy during this slower season.
Find the freshest wood possible during summer or autumn
Another factor to consider when deciding when to buy your timber supplies is the timing of the wood’s harvesting.
If you want the freshest wood possible, purchase your supplies during the spring or early summer, when harvesting typically occurs. This freshness ensures that the wood you’re using is still alive and has not started to decay.
However, you might pay more if you put off buying your decking supplies until the spring or summer. Demand for lumber tends to increase during the peak building season, and suppliers may charge more to capitalise on the demand.
Availability of wood varies per season
In addition to the season and timing of harvesting, you’ll also want to consider the availability of different types of wood. Some species of wood may be more readily available at certain times of the year than others.
If committed to a specific type of wood, you may need to be flexible with your timeline and prepare to pay a higher price if unavailable during the off-season. For example, pressure-treated pine is a popular decking material available year-round, while cedar and redwood are more difficult to find during the off-season.
Meanwhile, some ideal decking timber choices include kwila, vitex, pine, and mahogany.
Consider the weather
You’ll also want to consider the weather as well for this project.
Ideally, you’ll want to purchase your decking materials when the weather is dry and mild. This precaution makes transporting and storing your wood easier, reducing the risk of damage or decay.
If you’re purchasing decking materials during the off-season, you’ll want to ensure adequate storage space to keep your wood dry and protected from the elements. Consider purchasing a moisture meter to check the moisture content of your wood before installation. A moisture meter helps ensure the wood is dry enough to prevent warping and decay.
Build your deck during winter or fall
Contrary to popular belief, fall and winter are the best time to start building your deck, not spring or summer. While you can complete it at any point in the year, building your deck and buying timber supplies are the most efficient during this period.
During this period, there is less demand for services and goods from contractors. Digging and laying the foundation is also better suited for the season’s terrain, and the low humidity is better for lumber.
When springtime comes, the deck will be ready, and you’ll be enjoying your new deck with family and friends during these precious warmer months.
